It’s Time to LEVEL UP

Speaker 1: [Music] I'm Melanie Bar. Welcome back to the Sheila Tip podcast, your go-to place to empower you to live the life and business that you crave. I'm here to talk about everything from having the courage to make life and career leaps to the details of how to lead effectively, create successful teams, implement strategies for growth, and infuse tech innovation. I'm here to celebrate your wins and navigate through your challenges. I live in the city now, but I grew up in a town of a thousand people. I've navigated major life leaps, a senior level corporate career, worked in professional sports, and now as a successful entrepreneur who loves business, technology, family, and making meaningful connections with you and the She Built It Community. I also love a good workout and dose of self-care.

Speaker 1: Magic happens when we focus on the part of ourselves and our business that brings us joy. So, turn up the audio, open your favorite notes app, grab your favorite drink, and here we go. You know that moment when your business starts growing and you realize that you're no longer just keeping up with what's in front of you? You realize that it's time to level up again. Growth doesn't wait. It invites you to rise over and over again. I remember the first time I felt it with She Built Media. Our work was thriving. Our team was expanding. And yet something inside me said, "It's time to do this better."

Speaker 1: That voice isn't pressure. It's purpose. It's a reminder that to keep building something lasting, you can't just react to growth. You have to lead it. So today, let's talk about what it means to keep leveling up. How to keep evolving your team, your tech, and your operations as your business grows. Let's start with your team because growth always begins with people. As your company evolves, so do the roles, the responsibilities, and the rhythms. I'm so lucky because I love our team at She Built It Media. A few years ago, I realized one of our team members, someone incredibly talented, was spending more time managing the operational details than doing the creative work that made her light up. So, we shifted her role. Just a few small changes. And suddenly, she was more engaged. Our projects were running smoother and our clients noticed the difference. That's what happens when you level up your team. You don't just fill a role, you align strengths. Ask yourself, who has grown beyond their current role? Who might need new challenges or more support? And as a leader, how can I keep growing alongside them? When your team grows, your business grows. But when you grow and find the right people, your business transforms.

Technology

Speaker 1: Now, let's talk about technology. Leveling up here means being honest about what's actually helping you move forward and what's just creating noise.

Speaker 1: There was a time when we had three different tools doing what one platform could do. It wasn't the software's fault. It was mine. I hadn't stopped to review what we had outgrown. Then one week, we almost missed a client deadline because of a mixup. It wasn't about blame. It was about realizing that we needed better systems to match the level we were operating at. So, I called it a tech and vendor review. We listed every app, every system, every login. Then, we

Speaker 1: After that, we simplified. We automated what we could. Billing, automated systems, automation is everything. Upgraded what mattered, and we let go of what didn't. Every time you level up your tech, you buy your time back, your team's time, and clarity. And then there's operations. That quiet engine behind it all. Leveling up your operations is about moving from how we've always done it to how can we do it better. Now, when I first documented our podcast production process from onboarding to launch, I thought it was just to help the team, but what it really did was help me lead more intentionally. Suddenly, everyone could see the big picture. We weren't reexplaining or reinventing. We were building consistently, which gave us and continues to give us the space to innovate. That's what strong operations do. They create the foundation for freedom. Here's what I've learned.

Growth with purpose

Speaker 1: Growth doesn't stop asking for more of you. Every time your business hits a new level, it's not about catching up. It's about stepping up. When I take time to review our team, our tech, and our operations, I'm not just tightening systems. I'm preparing for what's next. Because staying the same might keep you afloat, but continuing to level up is what keeps you growing with purpose, clarity, and confidence. So, here's your reflection for this

Speaker 1: grow with it. Keep building, keep refining, keep leveling up. You've already proven that you can do it. Now, it's about doing it better. Thanks for being here and keep building towards the life and business that you crave.

Stay in touch

Speaker 1: Thank you for joining us today. I'd love to hear from you. Reach out to me at hello@shbiltit.com on our shebuiltit website or at shebuiltit on social. Thank you to my editor, Rich DFolino, who always makes us sound good. Until next time, let nothing stop you from experiencing the life and business that you crave. [Music]